Royal Caribbean is expanding its European cruise offerings for 2028–2029 with its most extensive year-round season yet, featuring seven ships sailing across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands. From summer adventures through historic cities to winter escapes along sun-soaked coastlines, the expanded lineup offers travelers more ways to discover Europe through 3- to 12-night itineraries and onboard experiences for all ages.
For the first time, Rhapsody of the Seas will sail in Europe year-round, offering summer itineraries with overnight stays in Egypt and Istanbul before transitioning to winter journeys through the Canary Islands and other destinations. The season also marks Royal Caribbean’s return to Copenhagen and Stockholm, alongside visits to sought-after destinations in Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, and Northern Europe.
Bookings are now open to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members through Royal Caribbean’s website ahead of the general booking opening on October 15.
Discover Santorini Through A New Island Experience
Among the highlights of the upcoming season is the Ultimate Santorini Day, a full-day excursion combining visits to the picturesque villages of Oia and Fira with access to Royal Beach Club Santorini. Guests can enjoy the beach, authentic local cuisine, and an open-air market featuring products from local businesses, including produce from Nomikos Estate, spirits from Canava Lyngos, and wine from Santo Wines.
Select itineraries will also feature extended evening stays in Santorini, giving travelers more time to explore the island’s iconic caldera views, whitewashed architecture, and spectacular sunsets.
Seven Ships, More Ways To Explore Europe
Rhapsody Of The Seas — Athens, Barcelona And Lisbon
From May to October 2028, Rhapsody of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises featuring Turkey and Egypt, including overnight stays in Alexandria and Istanbul, alongside itineraries exploring Greece and Santorini. Beginning in November, the ship will transition to 9- to 12-night winter journeys through the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta, and Greece.
Travelers can discover Tenerife’s natural saltwater pools, the Maspalomas Dunes of Gran Canaria, and the vibrant Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Tangier. The season also marks the ship’s return to Heraklion, Greece, and Cagliari, Sardinia, for the first time in more than a decade. On board, guests can unwind by the pool, relax in the climate-controlled Solarium, and enjoy dining options such as Izumi and Chops Grille.
Explorer Of The Seas — Ravenna (Venice)
From May to October 2028, Explorer of the Seas will sail 7-night Mediterranean itineraries through the Greek Isles and Croatia. Every sailing will feature a later stay in Santorini, with select itineraries also visiting Kotor, Montenegro, where travelers can explore the Old Town or venture into Lovćen National Park.
On board, guests can enjoy the FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and the adults-only Solarium.
Freedom Of The Seas — Southampton
Departing from Southampton, England, Freedom of the Seas will offer 3- to 9-night holidays across Northern and Southern Europe from May to October 2028. Destinations include the Norwegian fjords, Copenhagen, Bruges via Zeebrugge, Bilbao, Paris via Le Havre, and Lisbon.
The ship pairs European exploration with signature Royal Caribbean attractions, including The Perfect Storm waterslides, the FlowRider surf simulator, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag.
Jewel Of The Seas — Copenhagen And Stockholm
Returning to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and the Baltic region, Jewel of the Seas will sail from May to August 2028 on 7- to 11-night itineraries. Stops include Helsinki, Visby in Sweden, Gdansk via Gdynia in Poland, and Klaipeda in Lithuania, showcasing Scandinavia’s coastlines, history, and culture.
On board, guests can enjoy the rock-climbing wall, adults-only Solarium, and Broadway-style entertainment.
Liberty Of The Seas — Barcelona, Athens And Rome
From May to October 2028, Liberty of the Seas will offer 7- and 8-night cruises to the Greek Isles and Mediterranean destinations, including Marseille in France, Palermo in Sicily, and Cagliari in Sardinia.
Greek itineraries will feature later evening stays in Santorini, with opportunities to visit Royal Beach Club Santorini or explore the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, the island’s capital Fira, and the black-sand beach of Perivolos. On the newly amplified ship, guests can enjoy the Lime & Coconut tropical bar, the Royal Escape Room, and hibachi dining at Izumi Teppanyaki.
Mariner Of The Seas — Mediterranean Departures
Mariner of the Seas will return to the Mediterranean with 7-night cruises departing from Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens, and Ravenna. Itineraries will feature destinations such as Palma de Mallorca in Spain, Porto via Leixões in Portugal, and Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Between port visits, guests can take advantage of the FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and dining venues including Jamie’s Italian and Izumi.
Odyssey Of The Seas — Rome (Civitavecchia)
From April to October 2028, Odyssey of the Seas will sail 7-night Greek Isles itineraries from Rome, including visits to Ephesus in Turkey and Mykonos in Greece. Extended evening stays in Santorini will give travelers more time to explore the island, with the option to add the Ultimate Santorini Day experience.
At sea, guests can experience the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, the North Star observation capsule, and SeaPlex, the ship’s expansive indoor activity space.
A European Cruise For Every Season
With seven ships, an expanded range of departure ports, and itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Baltic region, and Canary Islands, Royal Caribbean’s 2028–2029 season offers travelers more flexibility in planning their European holidays. From island-hopping and cultural discoveries to onboard thrills and winter sunshine, the lineup combines destination-focused exploration with the cruise line’s signature entertainment and leisure experiences.
Travelers can explore itineraries and booking options through Royal Caribbean’s official website or contact their preferred travel advisor.
About Royal Caribbean
Part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), Royal Caribbean has delivered vacation experiences for more than 50 years. Its fleet combines entertainment, dining, adventure, and relaxation across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents. The cruise line’s destinations include Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Royal Beach Clubs in Paradise Island and Santorini, with Royal Beach Club Lelepa also planned.
Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 23 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. For media updates, visit Royal Caribbean Press Center or follow @RoyalCaribPR on X.
